Rule to Change:QUILCENE RIVER from Rodgers St. to Hwy. 101
All Game Fish First Sat. in June-Oct. 31 Catch-and-release.

New Rule Proposal:QUILCENE RIVER from Rodgers St. to Hwy. 101
TROUT First Sat. in June-Oct. 31 Min. size 14". Daily limit 2. Other Game Fish First Sat. in June-Oct. Catch-and-release.

Why the change is needed:WDFW snorkel surveys in August indicate harvestable adult searun cutthroat stage in the Quilcene River ahead of the summer chum and coho return to the river. This rule would provide an important recreational harvest opportunity while still protecting sensitive species.

Describe their support and/or concerns:
Local fishing groups support quality harvest opportunities. Thom Johnson supports such a change as long as data exists to justify harvest. WDFW staff support limited recreational harvest opportunity in Hood Canal where healthy populations have been observed; Several systems in South Puget Sound have a similar regulation.

Submitted by: DOWNEN, MARK — SHELTON, WA

Date submitted: 06/15/2012

WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation

Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW374094

Rule Change Recommendation Short TitleQuilcene trout retention

Rules CategoryPuget Sound Region Freshwater

Type of Rule Change ProposalRecreational

County or Location InformationJefferson County

Short DescriptionRemove the current regulation requiring catch and release and allow retention of trout from Rodgers Street to Highway 101 with a daily bag limit of 2 and a minimum length of 14 inches.

ExplanationWDFW snorkel surveys in August indicate harvestable adult searun cutthroat stage in the Quilcene River ahead of the summer chum and coho return to the river. This rule would provide an important recreational harvest opportunity while still protecting sensitive species.